|
|
Forts
are the part of glory of Maharashtra, the sole
witnesses of the history of Maharashtra. Today most of them serve the
purpose of tourist spots for trekking, hiking etc. Whether up in the hills
or near the seas most of these forts are associated with Shivaji, the
great Maratha warrior and an equally great fort builder. As many as 13
forts were developed by Shivaji on the coastline, including Vijaydurg,
rated as the perfect example of a great coastal fort. There are 350 odd
forts in Maharashtra. Nowhere in the country would one
encounter such a profusion of forts and such variety. Sited on an island,
as at Murud-Janjira or
guarding the seas as at Bassein, or
among the Sahyadri hills as at Raigad, these forts numbed by sun and
sleet, have not only been witness to changing times, but within their
walls, throbs the heart of the Marathi blood that gave its life for the
establishment of the Hindavi Swaraj. More than that, it was Shivaji who
consciously taught the people to look upon forts with reverence and
affection, and associate with them as one would with a mother. All forts
have temples on them. Though the temples are humble; they were a powerful
source of inspirations to the Maratha fighters on the fort to fight for
the Dharma Rakshan (safeguarding law and order).